Kerry Blue Terrier: the nature and complexity of maintenance, illness and care

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2021-12-19 02:14:39

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One of the oldest dog breeds that appeared in Ireland is the Kerry Blue Terrier. For the Irish people, it is considered the national symbol of their country. This pet is very peculiar both in appearance and in character. What features distinguish it from other dog breeds? Complete information about this extraordinary pet will help answer this question.kerry blue terrier

History

Looking through dog breeds with photos, it is impossible to miss Kerry blue. Among all, it stands out for its unusual appearance and beautiful blue wool, which is the result of the breeding work of scientists that has been going on for many years and aimed at improving this type of terriers.

There is no exact information about the original origin of the breed. All the information is more like legends. One thing is for sure: the Kerry Blue Terrier is a native of Ireland (County Kerry). The breed is more than 150 years old. For the first time its reliable description appeared in 1847.

This breed was presented at the first exhibition in 1913, and in 1924 a Dublin club breeding blue Terriers was registered. The Irish people have made this breed a symbol of the country's independence along with the shamrock. By 1925, there were already four breed clubs in Ireland, which organized exhibitions and tests of the working qualities of blue Terriers. Such an active activity interested dog breeders of other countries. The animals were exported to Canada, the USA and some European countries.

At the exhibition held in 1928, the Kerry Blue Terrier received the title "Almost Perfect Dog". The dog became the third breed that was officially recognized by the still young International Cynological Federation (ICF).

Temperament

The Blue Terrier is a cheerful and intelligent dog. She is a devoted friend and faithful companion for life. The description of dog breeds compiled by specialists highlights such features of this pet:

  • High efficiency;
  • Instant reaction;
  • Curiosity;
  • Ruthless attitude towards the violator;
  • Natural flair for negative and positive motives;
  • Mobility.

Despite the fact that this four-legged friend has perfectly taken root in the apartment, it is impossible to keep him as a decorative animal. Initially, the breed was formed for hunting small game or rodents - it is a natural hunter who must spend a lot of time in active physical activity.

Curiosity, natural intelligence and cheerfulness of Kerry-blue directs him to the constant development of new skills and knowledge. He cannot be assiduous, as he is always reaching out to gain new knowledge. These traits make the pet perfectly trainable. Conscientious fulfillment of set goals, leadership, attempts to prove themselves and please the owner – this is typical behavior for the Kerry Blue Terrier breed. Photos of these four-legged friends fully convey their character. The forward-pointing ears emphasize the lively and interested expression of the muzzle. The attentive and penetrating gaze of dark eyes gives out intelligence and natural flair.

dog breeds names

This pet is very friendly towards children and often takes part in games with them. Kerry-blue's devotion and love towards all the inhabitants of the family simply knows no bounds, but he is wary of strangers. Sensing the danger to loved ones, the pet is able to show all the power and strength to protect the owner.

What are terriers?

According to the ICF classification, Kerry-blue belongs to the standard No. 3 of section No. 1 (medium-sized dogs) and to group No. 3 (terriers, which includes other similar dog breeds). The names of these pets are: Lakeland Terrier, Scotch Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier. They differ in appearance, character and predilection for hunting. The first differences in the descriptions of the listed breeds appeared many years ago. Most of the modern terriers are of British origin. They are also divided into animals bred in the Scottish, English and Irish territories. Dog breeds whose names have the word "terrier" are represented by many beautiful pets. The most striking, unusual and outstanding of them by right is Kerry Blue.

Application of the breed

The explosive and courageous nature of Kerry-blue dogs makes them excellent guards.

description of dog breeds

They will faithfully guard the object entrusted to them and will not be afraid to engage in battle even with an opponent larger than themselves. This breed will be a great friend for a hunter. It can be used to search for small predators and rabbits. The Blue Terrier swims wonderfully, so in ancient times it was used to catch otters. In addition, this pet is an excellent pied piper.

The dog is very intelligent and devoted to the owner, so it becomes an excellent companion for life.

External standards

The height at the withers in males is about 45-49 cm (18-19 inches), and in females - 45-48 cm (17-18 inches). The average weight ranges from 15-18 kg. The description of dog breeds compiled by the ICF highlights such standard external indicators:

  • The head is powerful and large, covered with abundant wool, with a weak transition from forehead to muzzle;
  • Ears resemble an isosceles triangle in shape;
  • Eyes of dark shades have an expression of some alertness;
  • Nose with large and wide nostrils;
  • Gums and palate of dark shades;
  • Powerful jaws have developed musculature and are able to provide a strong grip;
  • Short croup;
  • Strong backbone with a dry constitution, muscles in the area of the shoulder blades, deep chest and straight back;
  • A high-set thin tail is held in an upright position;
  • Straight limbs with well-developed musculature;
  • wool is wavy and thick, soft to the touch;
  • Any color of a blue shade is possible, as well as coloring the tips of the wool in black tones (up to one and a half years, black or brown-red color of the wool is allowed).

Looking at the dog breeds from the photo, you can see that Kerry blue favorably differs in appearance. A chic shiny coat of an unusual shade, a proud posture and a proportional complexion distinguish him from his fellows with a truly aristocratic appearance.

Puppies

kerry blue terrier puppies

Blue Terrier babies have black fur, which will acquire bluish shades by the age of 2-3. The first hairstyle is done after changing teeth. It is in the first year that the foundation of the pet's health is laid, so during this period care, walking, proper feeding and adequate upbringing are important.

It should be remembered that Kerry Blue Terrier puppies are quite fragile individuals with a weak muscular system and ligaments. It is important not to lift them unnecessarily, not to allow anyone to drag, press or pull the tail. If you want to take the baby in your arms, then lift it under the breast and seat with both hands at the same time. You can't take it under your tummy!

A place to sleep should be soft, spacious and away from the heating system and drafts. In rooms visited by small inhabitants, it is necessary to remove all dangerous or valuable things to an inaccessible place: small objects, wires, appliances, hanging curtains, tablecloths, etc.

Special toys made of pressed rubber or latex, which can be found at every point of pet supplies, are simply necessary. They help to avoid spoiling things, develop the pet and relieve him of boredom. You can use children's toys made of elastic plastic or rubber, as well as sticks made of dense wood.

Until the age of three months, it is impossible to avoid the appearance of unpleasant piles and puddles on the floor. Punishing or scolding a baby for a natural need is unacceptable. To keep the house clean, you need to organize several stalls, diapers or a bunch of newspapers and teach your pet to relieve himself in the right place.

After three months, you can start walking with moderate physical activity. As the baby grows, the duration of walks gradually increases. If you take a puppy outside 4-6 times a day from three to four months, he will quickly get used to defecating outside the house.

Possible difficulties

Sociability, intelligence and intelligence are in the blood of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed. The character, however, has a negative trait – bullying. Because of his hot Irish temperament, the pet not only loves fights - he is ready to provoke their appearance and take an active part. It has a natural aggressiveness towards other animals, including dogs. dog breeds with photos Experts say that this behavior manifests itself only with the wrong upbringing of a four-legged friend or his late socialization. That's why long walks in the company of fellow human beings are so useful. This disadvantage can be corrected by starting to raise a pet as early as possible. However, it should be taken into account that the dog has a bright personality and a unique temperament, so the strictness of upbringing should be moderate, and it is better to exclude pressure on the pet.

The next difficulty may be the time-consuming care of the kerry blue wool cover and its trimming, which requires the availability of qualifications or the help of a specialist.

Education

Already from 3-4 months during a walk, you can start educational activities and training the puppy in training skills. The Kerry Blue Terrier is prone to pugnacity by the properties of its temperament. The correct educational process helps to avoid such a problem in behavior, and the pet will learn to respect the dog breeder. Education is based on such subtleties as: adequate firmness, friendly cooperation and full respect for the personality of his ward. The Blue Terrier absolutely does not tolerate any pressure or rudeness in his address, but you can negotiate with him in a good way at any time. You should not immediately scold the pet, perhaps he did not understand the owner's wishes. The main thing is to learn to understand your four-legged friend and clearly explain your requirement. This breed is very smart by nature and perfectly amenable to training skills, so you can easily find contact with it. You can make a great athlete out of Kerry blue, thanks to his good memory and the presence of drive and excitement, genetically embedded.

Education should be consistent and moderately strict. Special attention should be paid to aggression towards other animals, suppressing and not encouraging it initially. In order to help socialize and avoid behavior problems in the future, you need to find suitable companions for walking as early as possible. You should know that this breed does not belong to indoor pets and will suit the owner who has enough time and desire for walks, care and upbringing of his four-legged friend.

How to take care of the wool cover?

Chic coat of bluish shades is one of the main advantages that the Kerry blue Terrier can be proud of. The description of the breed emphasizes that the wool cover is wavy, thick, similar to silk. In addition, she does not have an unpleasant "dog" smell and molt. kerry blue terrier photo

Before you start the process of trimming, you need to prepare your pet. It needs to be combed thoroughly, and then washed and dried. The dog combs against the wool. During the haircut, you need to force the animal to take the correct pose, as at the exhibition.

The haircut of the Kerry blue Terrier requires a certain skill, knowledge of the anatomy of the breed and its standards. Professionally performed work on trimming will not only hide some shortcomings in the animal's build, but also emphasize the advantages of its figure. A trimmed dog should not look as if he just left the salon of a barber shop. Transitions between parts of his body should be performed smoothly, naturally and beautifully.

It is better to trim the pet 2-5 weeks before the exhibition events, hoping that by the right day the length of the fur on the back was about 3-5 cm.

For home care of the wool cover of a four-legged friend, you will need a brush made of natural bristles, a comb made of metal with rare teeth and a special brush with curved metal teeth. If the owner wants to trim his pet himself, then you will also need to purchase sharp, high-quality scissors and a clipper.

You need to comb your four-legged friend carefully, at least three times a week, otherwise the wool will get an unkempt look and tangles will form in it. It is better to do a haircut at least once in three months or as the wool cover grows.

Care

Care activities imply not only regular trimming and combing of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed. Photos of pets confirm that they have a long beard and fur on their muzzle, which also require constant attention. It is better to collect wool with an elastic band, otherwise the beard will seem unkempt and dirty from food. Most often it is washed after each feeding. In addition, the hairs, getting into the eyes, can cause their suppuration. Regrown hair can be shortened a little with scissors.

Kerry-blue needs other systematic procedures. It should be remembered about cleaning the eyes of a pet. Every day they need to be wiped with a cotton swab soaked in clean water. Once every two weeks, it is necessary to inspect the auricles and clean them as they become dirty. The claws should be shortened monthly. Plaque removal should also be included in the list of regular activities. This should be done at least once every three weeks to avoid the appearance of stones.

Possible diseases

The Kerry Blue Terrier breed is characterized by fairly good health and a strong immune system. These dogs are not prone to any diseases. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that a healthy lifestyle for such a dog is possible only with the right diet and regular physical activity, allowing you to keep your pet in excellent physical shape. Only daily active walks will ensure not only a sound sleep, but also longevity.

Timely vaccination is also important, protecting the pet from deadly pathologies.

Special attention should be paid to the ears of the animal. Due to its too tight fit to the skull, the auricle is poorly ventilated, and this can cause ear infections. The fur on the inside of the ear should be shortened regularly.

The Kerry Blue is susceptible to some diseases that other breeds also suffer from. These include:

  • Dislocation of the knee cup;
  • Hip dysplasia;
  • Plague;
  • Viral enteritis;
  • Chronic otitis;
  • Cataracts;
  • Leptospirosis;
  • Oncological tumors;
  • Hepatitis.

Feeding with natural food

The daily diet of a pet can be selected on the basis of specialized ready-made food or food prepared at home. With the right approach, both methods are good.

The positive aspect of this method is obvious – the owner is confident in the composition of the dish. The disadvantages include the time spent on cooking, the purchase of ingredients and the selection of ingredients depending on the condition of the pet. When feeding natural dishes, it is necessary to competently make a balanced menu so as not to spoil the health of the pet. kerry blue terrier dog Several recommendations will help:

  1. The breed of Kerry Blue Terrier dogs belongs to predators, so the lion's share of the diet is lean meat, such as turkey, veal, beef or white chicken breast. The average daily requirement of an urban adult is about 250-300 g of meat products. An active young pet or an animal that has problems with gaining body weight should receive up to 350 g of meat per day. The meat piece is scalded with boiling water or boiled for about 10 minutes.
  2. The source of fiber will be porridge (preferably buckwheat or rice), which must be thoroughly boiled. It should be remembered that the right portion is not porridge with the addition of meat, but a meat dish with the addition of cereals and vegetables.
  3. Vegetable components are also needed for meat, while it is desirable to exclude legumes and white cabbage. It is better to offer vegetables in raw form with the addition of a teaspoon of any vegetable oil – this is how vitamins are properly absorbed.
  4. In addition to meat, cereals and vegetables, you need to add dairy products. A good source of calcium will be cottage cheese in its pure form, and not curd mass.
  5. After consulting with a veterinarian, you can choose mineral and vitamin complexes for a natural diet that correspond to the age of the pet.

Feeding with food

Ready-made feeds have such advantages: they save time, are convenient to travel, and the problematic beard of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed remains clean when eating dry snacks. Disadvantages may appear with the daily consumption of low-quality products: allergic reactions, dull fur, dandruff and violation of gastrointestinal functions. Therefore, it is important to choose the right manufacturer and carefully study the composition in which meat products should prevail. There is insufficient moisture in dry food, which means that constant access to fresh water is necessary. It needs to be changed daily. Dry snacks can be soaked with hot water 15 minutes before meals (approximately 70 O C).

Useful nutrition tips

The listed feeding methods are suitable for both kerry-blue babies and adults. The only difference is the portion size and the number of feedings per day.

A baby aged 1.5-2 months is fed 4 times a day. 3-4-month-old puppies should have 3 feedings. Individuals older than six months of age and adult animals are fed twice a day. It is necessary to take into account several useful recommendations:

  • Do not add salt to the dish;
  • Do not feed portions prepared for the human table;
  • Do not treat pastries and sweets;
  • Stop picking up any food on a walk;
  • Feed in the morning and evening at certain hours;
  • Monitor the presence of clean water in the pet's bowl.

Price

Breed characteristics, achievements of parents, seller status, availability of documentation, urgency of sale, sex of the animal - all these factors affect the cost of a particular Kerry Blue Terrier puppy. The price fluctuates within 12 000 – 30 000 rubles. For 12 000 – 15 000 you can buy a pretty purebred puppy from the kennel with all the documents. But for 20 000 – 30 000 rubles can already be purchased for a show-class kid whose parents have titles, diplomas and other achievements.

Reviews

Smart, loyal, cheerful pets, bringing a lot of positivity – these are the words the owners of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed write about their pets. Reviews in most cases are only positive and enthusiastic. Many dog breeders note the pugnacity of four-legged friends, although some argue that a four-legged friend acts this way, trying to protect the owner.

All owners say that Kerry-blue treats all family members with love, although some of them are sure that he gets attached and longs for only one owner.

According to reviews, pets love water, trying to save anyone swimming. They dote on children, taking part in their fun outdoor games.

Some difficulty is caused by care, as the breed requires a lot of attention. Dog breeders also note the time spent on putting the fur and beard in order. Haircut is also difficult. It requires special training of the owner or a visit to the master.


Article in other languages:

DE: https://tostpost.com/de/haus-und-familie/40378-kerry-blue-terrier-art-und-komplexit-t-des-inhalts-krankheit-und-pfleg.html






Alin Trodden - author of the article, editor
"Hi, I'm Alin Trodden. I write texts, read books, and look for impressions. And I'm not bad at telling you about it. I am always happy to participate in interesting projects."

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